Create Play Streets

Play Streets programs temporarily close a section of a street off to cars, typically for a morning or a day on a regular, but seasonal, basis, for use as a public playground. Activities are often organized and supervised by volunteers or city workers.

Guidance

Plan ahead: Contact potential partners and brainstorm activities in winter or early spring

Reach out to community partners early and often, from the permit application process onward

Publicize your play street: Create an activity schedule and share it with local blogs, newsletters, community meetings; post it in grocery stores, community centers, and other activity hubs; spread the word through social media

Benefits

Quickly and cheaply expands the amount of recreation space in an area

Creates a local walking destination

Reduces potential pedestrian-vehicle conflicts

Considerations

Temporarily reduces available curbside car parking

Where to Use It

Locations with strong community partners

Areas in close proximity to a residential neighborhood

Discrete road sections or blocks with detour routes available for local vehicular traffic

Underused roadways adjacent to schools or parks

Areas underserved by parks and open space

Professional Consensus

In the absence of endorsements or guidance from national associations or governmental departments, cities are turning to best practices employed by other municipalities